Positive drug test would revoke commercial driver's licenses

A positive drug test or alcohol test could soon hit commercial drivers in the pocket.

A bill approved Wednesday by the Senate Transportation Committee would disqualify drivers from operating a commercial motor vehicle until they completed a drug or alcohol program.

Under the measure, medical officials who administer drug and alcohol tests would have to submit positive test results or refusals to be tested, to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Sen. Chip Campsen, R-Charleston, said commercial drivers have skirted detection within the hiring system because no reports are made of drivers who test positive. Such drivers simply "stay clean" between jobs long enough to be hired by unsuspecting employers, unaware that their new hire presents a danger, Campsen said.

The bill, S.880, moves on to the full Senate for consideration.